It’s not unusual for an actor to go on an extreme weight loss diet to prepare for a role. Actors do this all the time, but sometimes there’s a case that’s just shocking. Matthew McConaughey continues to shed pounds off his usually-muscular figure for The Dallas Buyer’s Club, in which he plays HIV victim Ron Woodroof. We’ve got a photo for you below.

The Dallas Buyer’s Club tells the story of Ron Woodroof, an electrician who contracted AIDS and was told by his doctors to just give up because there was no hope for him. Instead of throwing in the towel, he explored the “covert world of underground pharmacies that dole out experimental (but effective) HIV drugs” that aren’t yet approved in the United Stated.

Previously McConaughey had been taking the easy rode by starring in bad romantic comedies, but lately he’s been challenging himself. Currently he can be seen in Lee Daniels‘ The Paperboy, in which he plays a reporter investigating the murder case of a death row inmate.

Currently Dallas is in pre-production. TMZ caught the actor out and about and snapped a photo of him looking skinnier than ever. If this is what it takes for him to be a serious actor and churn out good performances, then we’re supportive. Here’s the photo: